Introduction
The delivery of public sector services is changing throughout the UK, transformation, modernisation and the commitment to reform are all hot topics on the agenda for the public sector. But how do department managers implement that change?
There are a number of goals which need to be reached to successfully meet the challenges. By using existing methods of change, project and risk management, sustainable procurement and best practice, delivering public sector services in Scotland can be achieved smoothly. Greater flexibility in the way organisations deliver public services will generate opportunities for increased cooperation and integration throughout Scotland.
"Our public services form an integral part of modern Scotland. They enable our communities to be safer and stronger; our young people to be educated and inspired; our citizens to be cared for at different stages in their lives; and they protect the most vulnerable in society. Not only do our citizens benefit from public services but many are involved in their delivery."
"These individuals are committed to the provision of quality public services for every citizen providing the education, care, protection and encouragement for our great country to flourish." - Tom McCabe, Minister for Finance and Public Sector Reform - 22nd September 2006
The conference will highlight the opportunities for the Scottish public sector in terms of identifying new methods of partnership working across both council and organisational boundaries. Reinforcing the message of improving efficiency through shared services and better collaboration at all levels of government.
Themes discussed on the day will include;
Transforming and Modernising Public Sector Services - Building a Better Scotland - Efficient Government - Securing Efficiency, Effectiveness and Productivity
Public Sector Reform in Scottish Local Government - The public service reform and improving service delivery to meet the needs and aspirations of citizens is very high on the agenda in Scottish public sector
Efficiency and Effectiveness in Public Sector Delivery
Best Practice - Coherent service delivery strategies that encourage high take-up of electronic services achieve cost savings and deliver better quality public services
Project Management and Prince2 - PRINCE2 is recognised as a world-class international product and is the standard method for project management, not least because it embodies many years of good practice in project management and provides a flexible and adaptable approach to suit all projects
Delivering Sustainable Public Sector Services - Local authorities and their community planning partners can lead the way in delivering sustainable development locally. Across the public sector there is a huge amount that can be done to reduce the global environmental impact of its estates and operations, and to use its purchasing power in support of sustainable development objectives
Sustainable Procurement - Public sector organisations need to raise their performance and improve their procurement business processes
Putting Customers First - The committement to delivering a first class service to customers, providing value for money and most importantly of all getting it right
Accountability - Accountability and governance in the Scottish Public sector are of great importance. Taking ownership in the provision of services faced with high expectations and tight budgets
Shared Services - The Future's Project 12 months on - Shared services is a key part of the Scottish Executive’s reform agenda. Scotland is a small country with about 200 public bodies, the value of each organization having its own corporate support functions such as human resources, facilities and estates, finance and ICT needs to be carefully considered
Data Sharing & Standards - Developing national frameworks for the sharing of personal data in terms both of data standards and of technical systems and providing a secure environment for data sharing which meets the needs of professionals and respects public concerns in relation to consent
Outsourcing - Outsourcing has grown as an option for the public sector and plays an increasingly important role in ‘front line’ service provision
Training - Training for businesses is provided by Scottish Enterprise, the Local Enterprise Councils and the Scottish Further Education Funding Council, we look at what's available
Software - There is a need to maximise the returns on, and benefits from, investments in publicly funded software. The ability to freely share software which has been developed within the Scottish public sector or bespoke software funded by the Scottish public sector